Wednesday Update: Voluntary Evacuation for Nor'Easter, 9,000 Still Without Power

A collection of updates for Nov. 7 includes a noon mandatory evacuation of the barrier island, and 4 p.m. voluntary evacaution for low-lying areas of Toms River.

Power outages continue to plague thousands

Jersey Central Power & Light continues to report widespread power outages for Toms River, though many major corridors of town once part of 45,000 in the dark now have electricity.

This morning, JCP&L reported 9,040 Toms River customers were without power. Among them are portions of North and West Dover, and the Indian Hill corridor, where a Toms River Regional bus is blocking traffic from entering between Bay and Cedar Grove Roads.

When can I check on my home on the barrier island?

The Township plan calls for access to the barrier island beginning as soon after the upcoming nor'easter storm as possible. Access will be granted in sections of the island beginning at the north end of the island in Normandy. Mayor Tom Kelaher said, "In light of the current conditions on the barrier island and in the interest of public health and safety, it is likely that residents will be transported by bus for their initial trip to the island. As conditions improve, it may not be necessary to travel by bus for subsequent trips. It is critical to note that the Ortley Beach area sustained much more severe damage than any other beach in the area and although work has been ongoing to improve some of the conditions, especially in the roadway areas, there are still areas that pose a threat to public safety. For this reason, access must be controlled and monitored."

Evacuation Notice for Wednesday November 7th 2012

According to the National Weather Service, a coastal flood watch remains in effect from Wednesday morning through Thursday morning. Moderate flooding is anticipated around the times of high tide on Wednesday and Wednesday night. Water levels may not recede much between the two high tides.

Effective 12pm Wednesday Nov 7th there will be a mandatory evacuation for anyone working or staying on the Barrier Island. There Is a voluntary evacuation for the low lying areas on the mainland effective 4pm Nov 7th. Residents are encouraged to move to higher ground.

Shelters are available at Georgian Court University, 900 Lakewood Ave., Lakewood, NJ 08701 and Pinelands Regional, 590 Nugentown Road, Little Egg Harbor Township.

Pelican Island Residents

Residents were briefly allowed back to check on their homes in Pelican Island only, on Tuesday. The first phase of the re-entry program went well and without incident. Access to the Pelican Island homes will be evaluated again, after the latest storm passes through on Thursday, and we will keep residents posted as soon as we get clearance. This update will be on our website at www.TomsRiverTownship.com.  

YMCA  

Between 11-5 p.m., everyone is welcome at the YMCA for the use of showers, hot coffee and charging of cell phones. Day passes are also available at no cost to use the facilities for recreational purposes.

From now until Friday, November 9, there will also be a food truck from the Iowa Pork Association providing free pork sandwiches to everyone.

The Ocean County YMCA is located at 1088 W Whitty Road in Toms River.